Student Hannah Williams boycotted the event in protest because her school would not let her take her girlfriend Savannah.
Hannah and Savannah have been dating for about four months, but they said when the school’s dinner dance was approaching, it was made clear that Hannah could attend only if she brought a male as her guest.
The teenagers do not accept that explanation and will transfer to another high school next year, where they would be allowed to attend formals together.
Hannah's father, Peter Williams, lodged a complaint with the Equal Opportunity Commission, alleging the school had discriminated against his daughter because of her sexual orientation.
The November 9
The school’s ban has received world-wide media coverage and has been very widely condemned. Below is one of many letters to the principle IGS condemning the decision, by award-winning journalist Chris Graham to the principal of .
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Dear Dr Schnagl,
In 30 years’ time, or even 20, Australian society is going to look back at 2010 and cringe at the discrimination levelled against gay couples. Thanks to your stewardship, or rather lack thereof, Ivanhoe Girls Grammar will be at the centre of that disquiet.
Quite apart from the fact that’s a terrible legacy to leave, it’s also very sad for the many thousands of people who have worked so hard for more than a century to build IGS.
You should do the honourable thing and apologise to the student, her family, the school and your community, then resign. And you should not, for any reason whatsoever, consider prolonging your career in teaching.
Regards
Chris Graham